2014 Arrayán Albillo Real, Méntrida

An exciting prospect for our customers and staff alike: the only wine in our range made from the Albillo grape, and one of just two hailing from the Méntrida DO south west of Madrid (the other being La Suerte de Arrayán). Historically, Albillo contributed texture to the red wines of the Meseta – a role similar to that of Viognier in Côte Rôtie. A small plot is still cultivated at Vega Sicilia, but total plantings have decreased over the past few decades as growers turn to international varietals. On this evidence, however, Albillo deserves a reprieve.

Thirst quenching, yes, but this is a wine for leisurely contemplation. Medium to full-bodied with a slightly waxy texture and not-quite-there aromas of white peach, hay and fennel.

Since the cuisine of Méntrida revolves around meat and pulses, often with a generous dose of paprika, I’m tempted to go off-piste and try this with a mild chicken and lentil curry.Will Heslop, Wine Buying

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The Producer

Bodegas Arrayán makes wine in the appellation of Mentrida in the province of Toledo (in Castile-La Mancha) and was founded by the current proprietors, husband and wife José María Entrecanales and María Marsans, and celebrated its first vintage in 2003. Renowned viticultural scientist Dr Richard Smart was enlisted to carry out a study of the land prior to it being planted with a combination of international and indigenous grape varieties.

Among the latter group, the white Albillo Real is of particular interest, in part because of its obscurity, but mostly because it is giving such superb results! We also have the good fortune to bring you La Suerte, which encapsulates just why Garnacha is among the hippest varietals on the planet at present.

Arrayán is located near the town of Santa Cruz de Retamar, just an hour’s drive from Madrid. Snow here is not uncommon, nor are summer temperatures approaching forty degrees – challenges which keep winemaker Maite Sanchéz and her team on their toes.

Other wines by this producer:

The Grape

Albillo is a white Spanish wine grape variety that comes in different strains, the most common being Albillo Real, also known as Albillo de Madrid, grown in Madrid and in Ávila, Salamanca and Zamora. The second most important is Albillo Mayor, planted in the Ribera del Duero region and in the Castille-León provinces of Burgos, Segovia and Valladolid. Further north, in Asturias, what is known as Albillo is really Chasselas Blanc

It is an authorized variety in the Ribera del Duero region and one of the main varieties in the Vinos de Madrid DO. Historically, Albillo contributed texture and smoothness to the red wines of the Meseta – a role similar to that of Viognier in Côte Rôtie.

A small plot is still cultivated at Vega Sicilia, but total plantings have decreased over the past few decades as growers turned to international varietals. Some growers have successfully experimented with mono-varietal expressions, producing mineral, fresh wines.